What constitutes actionable sexual harassment?

Actionable sexual harassment is defined mainly by unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or intimidating environment for the victim. This means that for behavior to be considered actionable, it must not only be unwelcome but also have the potential to interfere with a person's work environment or create a situation in which they feel uncomfortable or threatened.

Unwelcome conduct can include various forms of behavior, such as inappropriate comments, advances, or physical contact that are not desired by the individual receiving them. The key factor is the lack of consent or desire for the interaction, which distinguishes it from benign social interactions or friendly exchanges.

Friendly comments, compliments on appearance, and casual flirting may be acceptable in some contexts if they are welcome and reciprocated. However, when such interactions become unwelcome, they can transition into harassment. Understanding the nuance between acceptable social behavior and unwelcome conduct is critical for recognizing and addressing potential harassment in any environment.